GInstitute Home Improvement and Remodelling

During the last presidential elections from which President Barrack Obama emerged victorious, oil and other energy sources was one of the hot topics for the American economy. Sadly, not much was debated on about solar energy. Actually, one of the reasons why many politicians still stay away from the subject of renewable energy, particularly on solar power, is that they are either misguided by misinformation or just completely ignorant. In fact, many people are not fully aware of the real facts behind solar energy.

Here are some facts about solar energy you might not be aware of:

Solar Energy Industry is Steadily Growing in the United States

For the past nine years up to early 2013, the solar industry has been steadily growing at an average annual rate of 40%. The US already has 5,700MW of installed solar energy capacity. Public and private solar company partnerships are contributing to domestic growth. One major customer is the Department of Defense. In fact, the Obama Administration had solar panels placed on the roof of the White House.

Solar Panel Installation Cost is Dropping

In 2012, the cost of solar panel installation dropped by as much as 50%. Installed soft cost of solar power is also slowly dropping. Soft costs covers things like grid connections, net metering installation, and permits. The US Department of Energy alone is encouraging bringing down costs by collaborating with private solar companies. The DOE is even sponsoring a $10 million competition called the “Most Affordable Rooftop Solar Panel.”

Solar Energy Creates Jobs

In 2010, more than 100,000 workers were employed in the solar industry, with more adding up each year leading to 2013. Given the economic crisis starting in 2008, the solar energy industry is “hitting the proverbial two birds with one stone.” The industry creates jobs while giving people savings on energy bills.

Incentives to Solar Energy Are Still a Fraction Compared to Coal, Oil, and Gas Incentives

It is not because Americans do not want solar energy or our government’s lack of trying. Too many politicians especially in Congress are just too mired in ignorance or disinformation.

Solar Energy is Just Part of the Total Energy Mix

Let us all face facts. We cannot fully and forever depend on fossil fuels. On the other hand, there is no renewable energy that can stand-alone. Solution? Mix up everything by using hybrid energy power. Solar energy can be installed into the grid, while hybrid solar power connected to wind energy is now feasible.

Let us not also lose sight of the fact that solar power is clean energy as compared to the burning of oil, gas, and coal energy.